Pirates closer David Bednar nominated for Roberto Clemente Award for the third time

David Bednar doesn’t need a reminder how much of an impact he can make on the community as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates, as the two-time All-Star closer remembers what it meant to him as kid who played youth baseball in Mt. Lebanon and for Mars High School.

“I was one of those kids in the stands, one of those kids who always came to games,” Bednar said. “To be able to give back and put a smile on someone’s face is huge for me.”

Bednar was nominated by the Pittsburgh Pirates for the Roberto Clemente Award for the third consecutive year, a testament to his devotion to charitable and community service. The Roberto Clemente Award recognizes a major league player who best represents the game “through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, on and off the field.”

“It’s a huge honor,” Bednar said. “Obviously, what Roberto meant to this city and baseball as a whole and all of his efforts on and off the field is truly incredible and something I want to try and carry his legacy on.”

Every MLB team nominates a player to be considered for the award, a tribute to the Pirates Hall of Fame right fielder’s achievements and character. Bednar has been the obvious choice for the Pirates.

“You just talk about the person in general, how much he loves Pittsburgh, being here, how much he gives,” Pirates manger Derek Shelton said. “I think we say this every year, but he doesn’t say no to anything. He continues to just exemplify what it means to be a Clemente nominee.”

Shelton noted that because Bednar lives in his hometown year-round, he makes himself available to represent the Pirates for charitable events and public appearances.

“I think the rigor portion of it is that he lives here, so he can be pulled in so many different directions,” Shelton said. “Especially in the offseason, where guys go to their home cities. Even though they could do things there, we’re talking about David, who is here year round. Anything that the Pirates have, I think he is willing to do and participate in, whether it’s giving away turkeys at Thanksgiving or giving away toys during the holidays. The fact that he lives here and is from here makes it more special.”

Bednar has worked with Allegheny Health Network’s Chill Mobile, an RV that visits schools and provides a calming space for students dealing with mental health issues; handing out donated food through the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank; Light of Life Rescue Mission, a Pittsburgh-based homeless shelter; Miracle League baseball for athletes with unique abilities; and Lending Hearst, which supports families impacted by pediatric cancer.

“It’s all about the bigger picture and making everybody’s day a little bit better,” Bednar said. “It’s a big piece of not only my playing career but also my life. I’m fortunate to have great role models in my parents (Sue and Andy) and, now, my wife (Casey) is equally about giving back and helping out the community.

“To have that support system and having everyone pulling in the same direction is huge, along with with Pirates Charities and (team chairman) Bob Nutting. They all do a great job giving back and spreading a lot of love throughout the community.”